Durban - The Airports Company of SA (Acsa) is ready to handle
thousands of people who will converge on Durban for climate
change talks next week.
"We would like to reassure all those that will be
passing through our airports that we are prepared and ready to receive
them," said King Shaka International Airport spokesperson Colin Naidoo on
Monday.
Thousands of people were expected to arrive in Durban
for the United Nations climate change conference, the 17th Conference of
Parties (COP 17).
COP 17 will begin at Durban's Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC on Monday and end on December 9.
There was chaos at King Shaka International Airport
during the soccer world cup last year when there was not enough space
for some planes to land.
Naidoo said a sharp rise in passenger volumes at the time of the conference was expected.
"Acsa has made some changes at King Shaka Airport that
will come into effect from 1 November 2011 and will remain in place
until 14 December."
The measures had been put in place to ensure the smooth flow of passengers.
Naidoo said the public drop-off and pick-up zone would
be temporarily moved from the current location to the multi-story
parkade.
"Airport users will enjoy 30-minute free parking in the
multi-storey parkade and shade parking facility, as directed to park
and wait for passengers."